Memphis, Tennessee — A guy was killed on Saturday when he attempted to flee police on foot and was hit by a car.

At 1:19 p.m., authorities responded to a tragic crash on I-55 South and I-240 West.

A male was pronounced dead at the site.

According to Memphis Police, the man exited his car to avoid a traffic stop and was struck by a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu.

“If you’re going to commit the crime, you’ve got to do the time and stop running from your destiny,” resident Courtney Rounds stated. “Because, at the end of the day, it seems like the guy was guilty. I’m sad for the family, but it sounds like the person was guilty and was running away from what they had to deal with, or from their difficulties.”

Memphis police have not recognised the man or explained why he fled from police on a busy freeway.

All westbound lanes of traffic on I-240 and I-55 were closed as Memphis Police investigated. They’ve since reopened.

Rounds, a Frayser resident, told WREG that the community should respect officials.

“If you been watching the news, the police department say they cracking down,” roundly stated. “So, you just need to be careful out here. “That is what I say.”

In just 25 days this month, Memphis Police responded to 28 homicides.

The lethal gun violence has prompted heightened police presence and ‘Operation Code Zero,’ a law enforcement operation aimed at combating violent crime.

“Everybody just needs to crack down on their kids and let the police do their jobs,” Mr. Rounds added. “And don’t be crying and whining when it’s time to face those charges, I guess.”

According to Rounds, poverty and a lack of guidance for young people are contributing to Memphis crime.

However, the community must work together to resolve these issues, or the cycle will continue.